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The Best Spy Camera: Our Top 3 Choices

Best Spy Camera
Spy cameras have become increasingly popular, not just for private investigators and law enforcement, but also for businesses and the general public. They're ideal for catching cheating partners, keeping an eye on the babysitter, and uncovering dishonesty in the workplace.

However, there are thousands of hidden camera models on the market right now, at widely varying prices; some good quality and some not so good. So, we've done some of the assessment work for you, having tried and tested a few ourselves. Based on our ideal covert camera specifications, we've reviewed a select number of the best hidden cameras we’ve found so far. Check out the list below.
Quick List: Our Top 3 Best Spy Cameras
Built-in 1080P HD camera lens. Records 30FPS. 350mAh high-energy battery. Continuous working time up to 120 minutes. Supports 128GB SD card.
Video resolutions 1280x720 and 1920x1080 at 30FPS. 5 mega pixel CMOS camera with 66-degree viewing angle. Battery life 100 mins. Wi-Fi.
720P HD 1280x720 resolution at 30FPS. 70-degree camera viewing angle. Supports up to 32GB SD card. Motion detection. Date and time stamped.

Quick Guide: How To Choose The Best Hidden Camera

Here's a quick buying guide of specifications to look for in a spy camera. By understanding them, you can figure out the best spy camera for your needs. You may not need all of these specs listed as it depends on what you want to use the camera for and how. Here's the list:

  1. Camera "invisibility" or blends in well (including the camera, wires, and recording unit).
  2. Size, flexibility, and simplicity of use.
  3. Easy installation.
  4. FOV Field of view (camera lens viewing angle left to right)
  5. Storage capabilities / amount: in-built Hard Drive (HD) or SD Card (storage device).
  6. Video resolution / playback quality: High-definition (HD).
  7. Recording duration.
  8. Sound / audio record and playback.
  9. Wired or wireless or WIFI (internest based).
  10. Power source: mains or battery operated (battery type and duration).
  11. Night time capability / infrared / auto-flip to black and white at night.
  12. Weatherproof.
  13. Anti-shake for movement (body-worn cameras).
  14. Motion detection activated.
  15. Date / time stamped.

To help you choose the best spy camera, we go over these technical specifications in greater detail further on. If you want to see them now, you can read them here.

A Complete Review of The Best Spy Cameras We Like

by a former security specialist and private investigator

The following hidden camera reviews have been conducted by a former security specialist and private investigator, with many years of experience and understanding of real spy gadgets and equipment, and what is needed to meet a professional grade spy camera. These cameras were picked among the many based on stealth and covert ability, simplicity of use, technical functions, and value for money. This list of our top hidden cameras is not in any preferential order but are simply cameras we would personally invest in.

YVOER Notebook Spy Camera

YVOER Best Notebook Spy Camera


Why We Chose The YVOER Notebook Spy Camera

We think this hidden spy book camera is the perfect stationery spy tool. It is completely unobtrusive with its plain cover; the book looks like a standard notebook you would buy from any stationers. We would recommend using this in an office or corporate setting. It can sit amongst other books or files on a shelf, or be positioned anywhere in a conference room or office to capture dirty deeds or illegal activities.

Product Description

The YVOER hidden camera notebook, has a built-in 1080P HD camera lens. We like it because it is easy for anyone to use with one key to power it on and one key to record, cutting out all complicated procedures. With its built-in 350mAh high-energy battery, the YVOER notebook spy cam gives continuous working time up to 120 minutes.

What sets this spy camera apart is that it is actually a notebook with pages you can write in, so you can use it for any circumstance, such as school meetings, board conferences, lectures, travel, outing records.

LAWMATE Key Fob Spy Camera


LawMate Best Key Fob Spy Camera

Why We Chose the LAWMATE Key Fob Spy Camera

We've always liked the idea of a key fob spy camera due to its size, portability, and adaptability when it comes to different environmental settings. It is definitely one of the best types of all-round spy cameras to have, due to the fact most people have a car remote.

Product Description

This LAWMATE camera is one of the best fake key fob cameras we've seen with an HD (High Definition) hidden Wi-Fi camera that streams real-time video to any smart device. Just simply download the free "PV Cam Viewer" app from the Apple or Google stores to control the camera remotely. It records 1080p HD quality video to the 4GB SD card (that's included with the unit); or you can buy and use up to a 16GB SD card.

The LAWMATE has a battery life of 100 minutes and can record continuously for 65 minutes. It has a vibration alert for on/off, recording, and low battery. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with audio, so don't buy it if you really need that. But overall, this is simply an outstanding piece of equipment.

AES Clock Radio Hidden Camera


AES Clock Radio Hidden Camera

Why We Chose The A.E.S. Clock Radio Hidden Camera

The clock/radio spy camera wasn't originally our best choice of camera but when we spotted the AES clock radio camera we changed our mind, particularly because the camera is 100% hidden with no pinhole and no visible SD slot. The SD card slot is hidden in the battery compartment out of the way.

Product Description

The AES clock radio records high-definition video of 1280x720 resolutions, at 30 frames per second, through its 70-degree viewing angle hidden camera, but unfortunately it doesn't have audio if you need that function. Regardless, this clock spy camera has things we would definitely want, such as time and date stamped recording, motion detection recording for longer recording time, and auto-recycle for continuous recording. It also comes with a 32GB SD card.

Out thoughts on this being one of the best spy cameras were a little mixed, simply because it's a clock radio. With regards its functionality and covert ability it does tick all of our boxes. And if we didn't think it was any good it certainly wouldn't have ended up on our list.

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Spy Camera

We've created this buying guide to help you decide on the best spy camera that suits your specific needs. Our purpose is to remove the problem of confusion caused by too much choice from the thousands of covert cameras on the market today.

We know that a choice of spy camera that’s ideal for one person may not be ideal for another, which is why we have created this in-depth hidden camera buying guide, to help you choose the best suitable camera for you. Let’s get started.

The First Consideration When Choosing a Hidden Camera To Buy

First off, to decide what the best camera for you to buy is, you have to ask yourself - why do you need one? What's your reason or purpose for needing a hidden camera? Before you even start looking for one, you must know what it is you want to achieve with it. Knowing this will help you narrow down the number of choices. And it will also help you to choose the right type for your situation.

Some valid reasons people need or use covert cameras:

  • Business owners use hidden cameras to monitor staff or to catch employees suspected of stealing.
  • Parents use nanny cams for peace of mind when leaving their children with babysitters.
  • For suspected negligence or abuse of an elderly parent in a care home.
  • To record evidence of inappropriate behavior or bullying.
  • Wanting added security for your home or property.

The list can go on, but knowing why you want to buy a spy camera (for what situation) will help you narrow down how you will use it; which takes us onto the next step - how will you use it?

How Will You Use Your Hidden Spy Camera?

Let’s talk about the general location of the cameras’ intended use. Before buying a spy camera consider where it will need to be situated; where you will place it. Here are some pointers to think about:

  • Will the spy camera be for indoor or outdoor use? - If situated outdoors, it will need to be weatherproof and suitable for the immediate climate.

  • Will it be placed in a home, office, factory, or vehicle? - Wherever the location, the hidden camera will need to be suitable for the space it will be used in.

  • Will it be used in a fixed location or will it need to be transportable? - This will determine the choice of camera, size and power source needed. Body worn spy cameras are the most common transportable cameras.

What spy camera is best used for what situation


  • Smoke detector cameras: These are usually best deployed in office spaces or workplace environments to catch dishonest employees or monitor suspicious staff activity.

  • Photo frame spy camera: Placed innocently on a shelf or cupboard, this type of camera is ideal for care home or hospital type situations, to record any suspected abuses of a resident or patient. They are also suitable for nanny cams.

  • Nanny cams: These cameras are exactly what they suggest; a covert camera to keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter. They are usually concealed in teddy bears, soft toys, photo frames, that can be placed in a child’s room, in a corner or on a shelf.

  • Body worn cameras: These are the best types to be used in close-up meetings to secretly record evidence of wrongdoing, such as breach of contract, bullying, confessions, inappropriate behavior, etc. Common types are: spy watches, spy pens, and spy glasses.

  • Vehicle cameras: This type of hidden camera is perfect in a taxi, private bus, commercial vehicle, etc. to record a suspect driver's behavior. The most common types are the dashboard and rearview mirror spy cameras.

What Makes A Secret Camera The Best Choice?

As mentioned, there are many choices of spy camera on the market that come in different models, sizes and specifications. The best covert cameras to pick from are those that are hidden in everyday objects you would normally find around the home or office. These are great spy cameras as they can be placed literally anywhere, and the person you want to spy on wouldn’t give it a second glance.

These secret cameras can be readily purchased online, in a spy store, or can be custom made. You can find them in objects such as:

  • Cans of soft drinks
  • Household sprays, air fresheners
  • Tissue boxes
  • Books, office files
  • Smoke detector alarms
  • Plugs and extension leads
  • Wall clocks, bedside clocks
  • Stereos, radios, televisions
  • Calculators
  • Phone chargers
  • Lamps
  • Doorbell housings
  • Picture frames
  • Pot plants

Theoretically, a hidden camera could be fitted within any sized object you see - technology permitting of course.

The Technical Specifications Of The Best Spy Camera

Earlier, we briefly listed the following specifications of what to look for when choosing a spy camera. Now we will go into each aspect in a little more detail, to give you a better understanding of what makes the best one to buy.

1. Camera invisibility and blends in well (camera and recording unit)

It goes without saying that a spy camera needs to be invisible. When we say “invisible” we mean the camera blends in well to its immediate environment and doesn’t look out of place or conspicuous. The best hidden camera - to pass the test - is one that is actually in plain view, but passed over at many glances of the eyes without detecting it’s a camera. It can be in full view, as in the form of an everyday object, but should be overlooked as camera.

Spy camera invisibility doesn’t just mean the camera itself. Depending on the type, it may come in sections – camera – recording unit – wiring. The whole camera unit needs to be hidden, which includes the recording unit and wiring (if not wireless). It’s pointless choosing the perfect hidden camera if the wiring can be traced back to it, or the recording unit is easily noticed. So, you need to think about how well the entire unit can be hidden.

2. Size, flexibility, and simplicity of use

When looking for the best hidden camera, you will want to consider:

  • Size: Large or small, and whether you need a separate recorder unit or an all-in-one unit.

  • Flexibility: Does it need to be easily maneuverable or can it be in a fixed location.

  • Simplicity of use: Is it easy to use or does it require a PhD to operate.

If you wanted to record a meeting in a public place, the best type of camera to buy would be a spy pen, a spy watch, or briefcase with an enclosed camera unit. A camera that requires lots of wiring may not be ideal to wrap around your body (although we have used some great body worn covert cameras with wiring that are perfect for such tasks).

3. Easy installation

The best hidden cameras can be installed (or deployed) easily. A watch or pen camera is probably the easiest; just pop it on your wrist, in your pocket, or leave it on a table. A hidden room camera will need a little more installation work with placing the camera, and if not wireless, you will need to hide the wiring - usually running it up through the ceiling, roof, or into the wall.

4. FOV Field of view (camera lens viewing angle left to right)

The purpose of the hidden camera is to capture evidence. And you want that recorded evidence to clearly show your suspect's face and actions. When you choose a spy camera, it's important that the lens can visually cover the space you want to spy on, to get a good picture. If you choose one where the field of view (the camera lens' vision left to right measured in degrees) is not adequate for the space you want to secretly record, you may end up with inadequate evidence. So, before you buy a hidden camera, decide on the best lens field of view you need for your situation.

  • Best FOV for large areas: A 180-degree super-wide-angle lens is best for covering a general area. It will cover a wide area if placed on a wall, but bear in mind you will lose detail at distance.

  • Best FOV for more specific areas: A wide-angled lens between 110 and 60 degrees is ideal for a more focused area within a general scene. You will get more detail but lose some of the general area.

  • Best FOV for direct targeted surveillance: A 60-25 degree is best for a small space you want to see in greater detail. You will lose the general scene but you will have a more focused recording.

If you have a large area to cover, you will probably need to buy a system of 4 camera units, which can be strategically placed to cover the whole area. If you plan on just covering a small room then a single camera should be adequate.

Remember: The wider the angle of FOV (field of view) on the hidden camera lens, the shorter the distance it will "see".

5. Storage capabilities

All modern spy cameras come with storage capability, for storing their secret recordings. Storage options generally come in two forms:

  • Hard Drive (HD), which is similar to a computer hard drive and is a fixed or built-in drive within the camera system.

  • Storage Device (SD) card which is basically a memory card and can be removed.

You can buy some covert cameras that have both hard drive and SD card options, which is ideal. When comparing storage, bear in mind how much data they can hold. You want one that can record and store enough data for what you need. If you only require your spy-cam to record short clips, anywhere from 1GB up to a 64GB SD card will be sufficient. But if you require a spy camera system to record hours of non-stop surveillance footage, you will definitely need a large storage capacity hard drive: 500GB and up. Our advice, it is always better to have more than not enough storage space. The best hidden cameras will also let you export your surveillance footage to computer, to free-up your device's memory.

6. Video resolution and playback quality

Without a doubt, video record resolution (the clarity of detail in your video, or how clear it appears) and playback needs to be of good quality; not grainy recordings. This is particularly important when presenting video as evidence to a court. So, don't settle for cheap, settle for quality, or you'll be wasting your money.

  • We recommend a hidden camera with at least a 720p or 1080p resolution for high-quality video.
  • And choose a camera with a frame rate of at least 30 FPS (frames per second). This is the standard rate for consumer video.

7. Recording duration

It's important to know that the recording duration of a hidden camera (i.e., the amount of saved audio and video footage) is directly impacted by the camera's storage capacity: meaning, the total amount of recording time equals the relative amount of storage available.

Another factor that affects a spy camera's recording duration is the resolution. HD or High-Definition video allows for a better quality of recorded imagery, giving you better clarity. This option has greater playback footage, but the drawback is that it does use up more storage space per minute, hence the need for larger capacity hard drives or SD cards.

How much video can your hidden camera record in 1 hour?

  • 720p (1280 x 720) HD "High-Definition" = 800-900MB for 1 hour of video
  • 1080p (1920 x 1080) FHD or "Full HD" = 1.2-1.4GB for 1 hour of video

8. Sound / audio record and playback

Again, depending on what you use your camera for will determine if you need sound (or audio); although it is better to have the option of recording sound. The best covert cameras will have the function of turning audio on and off.

You will definitely need audio to record conversations with your video, if it’s more of a requirement to secretly record what someone is saying, as well as doing. If you only need to monitor what goes on in a warehouse or office overnight then audio recording may not be necessary.

If you opt for a voice recording spy camera, make sure the audio playback quality is good. Some seemingly good spy cameras we've used have had poor quality audio playback - crackling or muffled sound. And similar to a camera's limitation (to record clear video at a far distance), audio will only record voices or noise with clarity at a certain distance from it - depending on the quality of the microphone.

Important legal note: before you buy a spy camera with audio capability, check your state or country's laws on recording conversations. Some states in the U.S. do not allow the recording of conversations unless both parties are aware they're being recorded.

9. Wired vs Wireless vs WIFI (internet based)

Hidden cameras can be wired, wireless, or used over an internet connection. A wired spy camera system is where the camera and video storage unit are directly connected via cable and into the mains for power. A wireless hidden camera is one that is physically detached from the recording unit and transmits images wirelessly to a receiver and a connected storage device. An IP (WIFI) spy camera uses the technology of the internet, whereby the secretly installed camera can be connected to remotely, using a mobile phone or computer terminal - even from another country.

Why choose a wired hidden camera?

  • When you intend having a hidden camera system installed on a long-term or permanent basis that doesn’t require moving.
  • If you plan installing the camera in an area that is flooded with wireless devices. Installing a wired camera will avoid signal interference that can reduce recording quality.

Why choose a wireless spy camera?

  • The area you want to secretly record has no mains/electrical power source and running a long power cable would be impractical.
  • You need a portable camera for flexibility such as a body worn camera.

Why choose a WIFI (internet) spy cam?

  • It allows you to secretly monitor from anywhere (any country), using a mobile device or computer. It is ideal if you travel a lot.
  • It gives you live real-time remote viewing without having to be in the camera location and you can record straight to your mobile device or computer hard-drive; (internet connection costs will apply.)

10. Power source

All spy cameras need a power source. No matter what type or where your camera is hidden, it needs to have power to operate. The usual power sources are either electrical mains or battery power. Covert camera packages generally come with a rechargeable battery (usually built-in) but not all. The power to your camera is important and serious thought should be taken as to whether you need to connect it to the mains or use batteries.

Here's a guide on what to consider when choosing a power source:

  • What is the length of time you plan on keeping the hidden camera in place? More time = more power needed.
  • Will you give the camera's position away if you must continuously visit it to replace flat batteries or remove it for re-charging?
  • The cost of replacing non-rechargeable batteries can be expensive.
  • The type of camera you will be using. If using a body-worn camera you will need batteries, if a room camera, it is best to use the mains.
  • Will it be too difficult to conceal the camera's wiring, if mains powered, potentially revealing the camera's position?

Choosing a spy camera that allows for both battery and mains power is ideal. But our recommendation on power source is to always go for mains power, if it’s feasible and completely inconspicuous.

11. Night-time capability

If you plan on using or having your covert camera set up outside, you will want night-vision capability - even if there are street lights. This also counts for installing and using your camera in a dark or poorly lit room.

Cameras with monochrome (black and white) lenses best record at night, rather than cameras with color lenses (although color is better during the day). So, if you intend recording at night, a monochrome lens camera should be used. Some of the best hidden cameras come with day and night time viewing capability; whereby during the day the lens records in color and automatically changes to monochrome (black and white) as soon as it detects a certain level of darkness. The camera lens has a light sensor set to change at low light levels.

12. Weatherproof

If whatever you need to spy on is outside, you will need an outdoor hidden camera. The best outdoor spy cameras will be weatherproof and have night time capability. Also, bear in mind, if you want an outside camera, think about the temperatures it will need to operate in. Normal outdoor cameras don’t endure extreme weather conditions well, so you will need to buy one especially suited for these extremes. There are special hidden cameras for outdoors, such as trail cameras, but the best one's can be more expensive.

13. Anti-shake

It goes without saying, if you install a covert camera against a wall or in a ceiling it won’t need an anti-shake function. An anti-shake function is useful on body-worn cameras, whereby the amount of shake caused by the wearer's movement is reduced. This benefits the quality of the video recording. There is nothing worse than having camera footage that appears as though it was filmed in an earthquake, especially if it’s going to be used as evidence in a court case.

14. Motion detection activated

Choosing a spy camera that has a motion detection function is great in more ways than one: firstly, it saves on power (if battery operated), and secondly, it saves on video storage space.

This type of camera is like a dormant animal that only springs into action when its prey appears. The camera remains in a quiet (or standby) mode. As soon as the camera lens picks up motion (or movement) in the area that it's "watching", it will automatically start recording. As soon as any motion stops, and the camera detects no further movement, it goes back into standby mode. This function is great as the camera uses less power when in standby mode and isn’t recording the whole time (during times of no activity) using less storage space.

Another great benefit for a motion-activated hidden camera is when it comes to searching or reviewing footage. Since only movement is recorded, you won't need to trawl through hours of useless video recordings that contains no activity. WARNING: some cheap motion activated spy cams don't pick up movement so well, or are slow to respond, and miss some or all of the activity.

15. Date and time stamp

Having a covert camera that can record with date and time stamp is important if you are going to use the footage as evidence in court. But even if you don’t intend using it for court action, the date and time stamp is still very useful to refer to different points on the recordings. Trying to find something on the video footage without a date and time stamp is very time consuming, especially if you have hours of footage to go through.

Our Final Advice About Buying Hidden Cameras

There are laws that surround hidden camera use and if you purchase one to be used improperly, you can be fined or worse go to prison. So, be warned. Using this guide above can help you choose the best spy camera for you and your specific needs. Remember, when looking for a covert camera to buy, use these specifications and you will not only save yourself time and money, you will be able to successfully conclude your situation by way of irrefutable proof. If you want to buy a great spy camera, check out our reviews of the best hidden cameras.
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